[25 February 2010－Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) proudly presents “I Love Schubert! 2—Unfinished Symphony”,an all-Schubert programme concert on 10 March(Wed) at 8pm at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. Coming after thefirst Schubert concert in January, John Harding, the conductor and director of the concert, will bring another side of Schubert by his Symphony No.8 Unfinished, String Quintet in C and Marche Militaire No.1.

Schubert had a short and miserable life. His work was not widely known and appreciated by the public until a few decades following his death. Many of the famous works by the composer were not discovered and performed until several years after his death. Although he died at the age of 31, Schubert left behind an astonishing number of works including some 600 lieder, 21 piano sonatas, more than 10 operas and stage music and eight and a half symphonies.

Symphony No.8 is probably the most renowned one out of Schubert’s symphonies, he was dead after the completion of the first 2 movements and hence it was named Unfinished. The symphony was drafted in 1822 but there were only 2 completed movements when it was found in 1865. The third movement was started in piano sketches, but only a few measures were orchestrated and the fourth movement was probably never written.The String Quintetin C was composed in the summer of 1828, only 2 months prior to his death (Schubert died in November in the same year). It was the last instrumental work by Schubert at the time when he was afflicted by increasing illness. However in the music you could find peace and silence which make great contrast with the poignant life Schubert encountered.Marche Militaireis a set of piano duets comprised of 3 marches which have been arranged to various versions. In the concert, you will be listening to the orchestral version of the first and probably the most popular among the three marches.

In the first Schubert concert in January, John Harding collaborated with our musicians bringing Schubert’s Trout Quintet, in this concert, he will be playing String Quintet in C with Richard Bamping, Principal Cello of the HKPO since 1993, Fang Xiaomu, Co-Principal Celllo, Wang Jun, tutti viola and 2001 First Prize winner of China Viola Competition in Beijing, and Long Xi, tutti violin, member of the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Orchestral Fellow in 2008/09 season and the 2007 Second Prize winner of Chinese Golden Bell Award for Music.

Unfinished Symphony
10 | 3 | 2010
wed 8pm

HK City Hall Concert Hall
HK$240 $180 $140 $100
Available at URBTIX from now

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) is one of Asia’s leading orchestras. Enriching Hong Kong’s cultural life for over a century, the Orchestra has grown into a formidable ensemble of Chinese and international talents in the last three decades, attracting world-class artists to perform on the same stage. HKPO annually touches the lives of 200,000 music lovers through more than 150 performances including its extensive education activities for children and adults alike, and free concerts such as the popular Swire Symphony Under the Stars, and regular broadcasts and telecasts. Outside of Hong Kong, HKPO has made a number of successful tours in Asia and Europe including a major six-concert tour of China in the 08/09 season under the leadership of Maestro Edo de Waart, drawing great critical acclaims. [Full Biography]

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
SWIRE is the Principal Patron of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is the Venue Partner of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.